Brenda L. Claxton, formerly of Springfield, Mo died peacefully in her sleep at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Kansas City on Friday, May 2, 2025, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was 82.
Brenda was the daughter of James and Opal Kennemer. She was a member of the first graduating class at Parkview High School to attend all four years there. She was the first member of her family to graduate college, which she did with a degree in Marketing from SMSU in 1982, at the age of 39 after attending night school for years.
Brenda was a fierce community advocate who had no use for the phrase “you can’t fight city hall,” which she did often. While city hall usually won, Brenda was tireless and fearless, and her efforts on behalf of the Elfindale Foundation in 1975 helped thwart a developer’s plan to destroy that historic site.
She made friends easily and was loved by many. Nothing gave her pleasure like hosting parties and having cookouts on her back porch. Her hobbies included pilates and bridge, at which she was expert. Unbeknownst to most, she was unbeatable at Chinese Checkers and was a natural-born water skier. She loved cats, and many feline companions who were destined foreuthanasia owe their long, happy lives to her.
She is survived by her loving son, Dan, and many friends. She will be missed dearly.
A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, May 15 from 2-4 at Elfindale Castle, 1701 S. Fort, Springfield.
In lieu of flowers, Brenda would have preferred a donation to the Humane Society.
